The Tender Age of the Adolescent Brain
Friday, 11 November 2011 16:47
By Janice Llanes Fabry
Adolescent brain and substance abuse expert Michael Nerney discussed the unique structure of the adolescent brain with parents and seventh and eighth graders late last month at the Rye Neck High/Middle School Library Media Center.
Brain development and alcohol and drug abuse expert Michael Nerney with Rye Neck eighth graders“There is twice as much going on in the brain of an adolescent than there is in the adult brain,” he explained, and new technology demonstrates unequivocally that there are substantially more active neuro pathways in the brain of persons between the ages of 11 and 22. The fact that these specific conditions exist only during this time renders the adolescent brain especially vulnerable.
A former Director of the Training Institute of Narcotic and Drug Research, Mr. Nerney demonstrated how drugs and alcohol wreak havoc on the adolescent brain. “Kids who drink alcohol on the weekend shrink their brain by 10 percent a year,” he said.
The “Welcome To The Adolescent Brain” presentation first came to the attention of Rye Neck Guidance Counselors Meegan Lawlor and Brendan
Nelson, who introduced the international lecturer to the district.
“Mr. Nerney connects so well with students because they immediately feel he understands them,” explained Ms. Lawlor. “As a result, his message is very well received. I think giving students a science-based reason to abstain from alcohol is a powerful tool and a fresh message for them.”
In addition to the damaging impact of drugs and alcohol consumption, depression, often a by-product of bullying, also manifests itself in measurable changes in the brain. “For kids, a good day is way better than for adults, and a bad day can be four times as bad,” said Mr. Nerney.
Ms. Lawlor noted the importance of parents also having access to the current research in order to interact more effectively with their teens, whose singular brain function dictates their problem solving, risk assessment and decision-making skills.
“It was wonderful to see so many parents at the evening presentation. Hopefully, it will lead to many discussions in our students’ homes.”